Garment for play cape safety

ABSTRACT

Described herein are garments comprising systems or mechanisms for allowing cape-breakaway. The garments can comprise a body portion with a flexible band attached thereto. The flexible band has two unconnected ends that form an aperture. The aperture expands with sufficient force is applied to the body portion causing the band to slip from the wearer&#39;s neck. Such garments and features promote cape-breakaway to prevent choking, strangulation, or entrapment by a cape.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/999,533 which was filed Jul. 29, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth below.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to garments comprising systems or mechanisms for allowing cape-breakaway, and other like garments.

BACKGROUND

The cape is a well-known garment and serves many different functions, including simple dress-up, and are common apparel for people of all ages. Children reach an age where dressing up in costumes is a daily occurrence, and frequently capes accompany children's dress-up outfits, for example, princess or superhero costumes. Existing capes attach around the wearer's neck. These attachments include string ties, Velcro, ribbons, buttons, hooks, or pins. However, when children play, the potential for such capes to cause choking is high due to the collar being fastened around the child's neck. The cape may catch on a hook or other protrusion on a playground for instance, become tangled, or catch beneath the child's own weight during play. These attachment configurations will remain connected despite the force applied to the cape portion and potentially choke or strangle a child. Therefore, a need exists for alternative play-cape collar or neck portions that accommodate a child's everyday activities while promoting play cape safety. Particularly, the collar or neck portion of the cape must be flexible enough to fall off or disconnect from the neck if sufficient force is applied to the cape portion. It is to such a system and mechanism that embodiments of the disclosure are primarily directed.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Briefly described, the disclosure can comprise a garment or a play cape. The garment can comprise a body portion having a bottom edge and a top edge and a flexible band having two unconnected ends that form an aperture. In some embodiments, the flexible band can be sized so as to fit substantially around the wearer's neck, and the body portion can be sized so as to reach from between the wearer's lower back to near to or about the wearer's feet.

The flexible band can be adapted to connect to the body portion. In some embodiments, the band can connect to the body portion through a fabric channel that is sized such that the flexible band can fit within the channel. In some embodiments, the channel is connected within the body portion and near the top edge of the body portion such that additional fabric remains above the channel to form a different type of collar. In other embodiments, the channel is a separate piece and is connected to the top edge of the body portion. This attachment can be either permanent or the channel can be detachably connected to the body portion. In some embodiments, the channel can be composed of at least two loops wherein the loops are sewn into the body portion. In other embodiments, the channel can be composed of a piece of fabric folded in half and sewn together.

Additionally, the flexible band can have two unconnected ends that form an aperture. In some embodiments, the aperture, in its unexpanded position, is less than approximately 25% the linear distance around the band, or less than about 10% of the linear distance around the band. The aperture can expand in size depending on the flexibility of the band. In some embodiments the flexible band is composed of plastic. In other embodiments, the two unconnected ends are rounded.

Embodiments of the disclosure can also comprise a system to prevent choking, strangulation, or entrapment by a cape. That system can comprise a band with a cape portion attached thereto. The band can have an aperture and flexibility such that some force applied to the cape portion can cause the aperture to expand in size and the band to slip off the wearer's neck. In some embodiments, the aperture can expand by at least 1.5 times its original size when force is applied to the body portion. In other embodiments, the aperture can expand by at least 2 times its original size. In some embodiments, the aperture can be defined as a ratio of the linear distance around the entire band when the band is in its unexpanded position. In some embodiments, the size of the aperture can be 5% the linear distance around the band. In other embodiments the size of the aperture can be 10% the linear distance around the band. Still, in other embodiments, the size of the aperture can be 25% the linear distance around the band.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the disclosure will become more apparent upon reading the following specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1A depicts a cape design, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 1B depicts a collar attachment, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2A is a front-view photograph of a completed cape, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2B is a back-view photograph of a completed cape, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a back-view photograph of a completed cape, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure

FIG. 4A depicts an example of a flexible band, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 4B depicts an example design in which the flexible band is inserted within a channel, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 depicts how a fabric channel can be created, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although preferred embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated. Accordingly, it is not intended that the disclosure is limited in its scope to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, in describing the preferred embodiments, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity.

It must also be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Also, in describing the preferred embodiments, terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. It is intended that each term contemplates its broadest meaning as understood by those skilled in the art and includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value.

By “comprising” or “containing” or “including” is meant that at least the named compound, element, particle, or method step is present in the composition or article or method, but does not exclude the presence of other compounds, materials, particles, method steps, even if the other such compounds, material, particles, method steps have the same function as what is named.

Described herein are one or more garments or capes comprising a system or mechanism that permits cape breakaway, if the cape becomes caught, to prevent strangulation, entrapment, or choking. Traditional capes incorporate ties, ribbons, buttons, hooks, pins, Velcro or sticky tape—anything that would involve being tied or fastened around the neck to hold the cape intact. These fastening techniques lack safety mechanisms which would cause a cape, if pulled or caught on anything, to slip from the shoulders of the wearer, freeing the wearer from injury. The various embodiments described herein offer an improved system or mechanism for cape breakaway.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the garment or cape 100 can comprise at least two pieces: a body portion 120 and a flexible band 110. The flexible band can also be adapted to connect to the body portion to resemble a cape (as shown at FIGS. 1-3). It is understood that the body portion can be composed of any material. In a preferred embodiment, the body portion can be composed of a fabric such as fleece, velvet, broadcloth, satin, synthetic fabrics, or other fabric composites. In other embodiments, the body portion can be composed of a plastic or metal foil that is draping or flowing.

Additionally, it is understood that the body portion can be any length. In some embodiments, the body portion can extend to the ground so as to hang about the wearer's feet (as shown at FIG. 2A). In other embodiments, the body portion may be shorter, so as to extend only half-way down the wearer's back. Still, in other embodiments, the body portion can extend to the wearer's ankles, knees, mid thigh, waist, or lower back.

The body portion can comprise at least one type of material. In some embodiments the body portion can be composed of a single fabric sheet, as pictured at FIG. 3. In other embodiments the body portion can be composed of two different types of fabric. For example, as pictured at FIG. 2B, the body portion can comprise a shear fabric under layer or cutout 210 with a solid fabric outer layer 220. In other embodiments, the body portion can be composed of one or more fabric pieces that are layered or paneled.

To allow cape breakaway, the body portion of the cape can be adapted to attach to a flexible band 400. As seen at FIG. 4A, the flexible band can have two unconnected ends 410 that form an aperture 420. The aperture can be defined as the distance of the gap (or gap distance) between the two unconnected ends. In preferred embodiments, the two unconnected ends can define an aperture that is between 1 to 5 inches in length, where the gap distance is measured when the band is in a relaxed non-expanced state. In other words, when no pressure is being applied to the cape that would cause the aperture to expand and the cape to breakaway. In some embodiments, the aperture is either 1-inch, 2-inches, 2.5-inches, 3-inches, 4-inches, 5-inches or greater in length, where the gap distance is measured when the band is in a relaxed state. In other embodiments, depending on the flexibility and size of the band, the aperture gap distance can be shorter or longer.

The aperture can also be defined in terms of the linear distance around the flexible band. The linear distance around the band can be defined as the mathematical calculation of circumference, if circular, or perimeter, if having a polygonal shape, of the overall band including the gap. In other words, the linear distance around a band would be measured as if the aperture were not present and the band formed a completed shape. In some embodiments, the size of the aperture can be less than about 25% the linear distance around the band, less than about 20% of the linear distance, or less than about 15% of the linear distance. In some embodiments, the length of the aperture is less than approximately 10% the linear distance around the band. In other embodiments, the length of the aperture is less than approximately 5% the linear distance around the band. Because the aperature can exist in the band, the aperture can be greater than about 1% of the linear distance, greater than at least 2% of the linear distance, or greater than about 3% of the linear distance. It is understood that the size of the aperture can be any amount of the linear distance around the band, but in preferred embodiments the distance cannot exceed 25% the linear distance around the band.

The band also can have a flexibility which can result from the type of material the band is composed of. In a preferred embodiment, the band can be composed of a material that elastically deforms. Preferably, the band can be composed of plastic. In some embodiments, the band can be composed of a type of flexible metal or other material, such as a robust weave, or a woven material that maintains some degree of shape but is still flexible.

When force is applied to the cape portion, the flexibility of the band can allow expansion of the aperture. In some instances, force is applied to the body portion when the wearer sits, steps or otherwise applies force to the body portion, or when the body portion becomes caught or hooked on an object. The band can have a flexibility that allows the band to elastically deform and expand when force is applied to the body portion. This force can cause the aperture gap distance to increase in size. In some embodiments, the band can expand such that the aperture gap distance reaches at least 3 inches in distance, at least 4 inches in distance, at least 5 inches in distance, at least 6 inches in distance, at least 7 inches in distance, at least 8 inches in distance, or at least 10 inches or more depending on the size of the band and the wearer's neck. In other embodiments the band can expand such that the aperture gap distance reaches at least about 1.5 times its original size, at least about 2 times its original size, at least about 2.5 times its original size, at least about 3 times its original size, at least about 3.5 times its original size, or at least about 5 times its original size. When the band expands, the aperture can reach sufficient size such that the band will slip from the wearer's neck, and the wearer can avoid injury. The amount of expansion can depend on the size of the original aperture size.

The band can also come in a variety of shapes and sizes. In a preferred embodiment, the band can be approximately “U”-shaped, as seen at FIG. 4A. In other embodiments, not shown, the band can be shaped like a circle or like a polygon, in others. Moreover, in some embodiments, the flexible band can be sized to fit substantially around the neck of the wearer (as seen at FIG. 2A). Additionally, the two unconnected ends 410 can be rounded, according to some embodiments (as seen at FIG. 4A). For example, if the flexible band is connected to the body portion through a fabric channel, as discussed below, that encloses the band, the rounded nature can prevent the ends from protruding through the fabric. In a preferred embodiment, the band can be approximately ½-inch wide to 2-inches wide. In some embodiments, the band is greater than 2-inches wide. Still in other embodiments, the garment can comprise more than one band.

Additionally, the band and the body portion can be connected together through various routes. In some embodiments, the flexible band can be sewn into the body portion directly. In other embodiments, the band can be attached to the body portion through a channel. As seen at FIG. 4B, the flexible band 460 can fit within the channel 450 to form a collar for the garment. In some embodiments, the channel can be a separate part of the cape and attached to the body portion. As seen at FIG. 5, the channel can be created from a piece of fabric 510 folded in half and stitched together at the two overlapping ends (as shown at 530). In some embodiments, the flexible band can be sewn within the channel instead of inserted (as shown at FIG. 4B). The channel can be adapted to connect to the main body portion. The channel can connect at the top edge according to some embodiments (as shown at FIGS. 2A and 2B). The connection can either be permanent, or the flexible band can be detachably connected to the top edge. In some embodiments, this detachable connection can be composed of snaps or Velcro for example and can allow for variation in the main body portion or cape portion.

In other embodiments, the channel can be integrated into the body portion and composed of two or more loops which are sewn into the body portion. For example, the channel can be formed from pieces of ribbon, which are sewed into the body portion, and the flexible band can be inserted within the channel. The ribbons can be attached near the top edge (as shown at FIG. 3). The channel can therefore have fabric extending above it to form a trim or according to some embodiments, a hood. An integrated channel can allow for the collar to have additional frill above the flexible band, as shown at FIG. 3 for example. In such embodiments, the extra trim or hood can achieve different aesthetic qualities.

The channel can be created from any material. In a preferred embodiment, the channel is composed of the same material as the body portion. In other embodiments the channel is composed of varying fabrics, plastic, weaving, stitching, adhesive materials or metal foil.

In some embodiments, the disclosure can include a system to prevent choking, strangulation, or entrapment by a cape. The system can include a band and a garment portion attached thereto. The garment can be a cape. The ban can have an aperture and a flexibility such that force applied to the cape portion causes the aperture to expand in size. As discussed above the aperture can be defined as the distance of the gap (or gap distance) between the two unconnected ends of the band. The aperture can be between 1 to 5 inches in length, including 1-inch, 2-inches, 2.5-inches, 3-inches, 4-inches, or 5-inches or more, as disclosed above. The aperture can also be less than about 25% the linear distance around the band, including less than about 20%, less than about 15%, less than 10% the linear distance around the band, or less than about 5%.

In the system, the aperture can expand when force is applied to the cape or the collar or band portion of the garment. The aperture can expand such that the aperture gap distance reaches at least about 1.5 times its original size, at least about 2 times its original size, at least about 2.5 times its original size, at least about 3 times its original size, at least about 3.5 times its original size, or at least about 5 times its original size.

It is understood that while the embodiments described herein are directed toward a garment for children, the garment and its various components described can be a size or sized as to fit an adult, for example. Additionally, the band and cape system and mechanism could be manufactured and used for the doll and toy industry, or alternatively the pet costume industry. 

We claim:
 1. A garment comprising a body portion having a bottom edge and a top edge; and a flexible band having two unconnected ends wherein the flexible band is adapted to connect to the body portion, and the two unconnected ends form an aperture.
 2. The garment of claim 1 wherein the flexible band is connected to the body portion by a channel sized such that the flexible band can fit within the channel.
 3. The garment of claim 2 wherein the channel is connected proximate the top edge of the body portion.
 4. The garment of claim 2 wherein the channel is connected to the top edge of the body portion.
 5. The garment of claim 2 wherein the channel is detachably connected to the body portion.
 6. The garment of claim 3 wherein the channel is composed of at least two loops wherein the loops are sewn into the body portion.
 7. The garment of claim 1, wherein the aperture in its unexpanded position is less than approximately 25% the linear distance around the band.
 8. The garment of claim 1, wherein the aperture in its unexpanded position is less than approximately 10% the linear distance around the band.
 9. The system of claim 1 wherein the aperture expands by at least 1.5 times its original size.
 10. The system of claim 1 wherein the aperture expands by at least 2 times its original size.
 11. A play cape comprising a cape portion having a bottom edge and a top edge; a flexible band with two unconnected ends; and a channel sized such that the flexible band can be inserted within the channel.
 12. The play cape of claim 11 wherein the cape portion is sized so as to extend proximate a wearer's feet.
 13. The play cape of claim 11 wherein the flexible band is sized so as to fit substantially around the wearer's neck.
 14. The play cape of claim 11 wherein the flexible band is inserted within the fabric channel.
 15. A system to prevent choking, strangulation, or entrapment by a cape, the system comprising a band and a cape portion attached thereto, the band having an aperture and a flexibility such that force applied to the cape portion causes the aperture to expand in size.
 16. The system of claim 15 wherein the aperture expands by at least 1.5 times its original size.
 17. The system of claim 15 wherein the aperture expands by at least 2 times its original size.
 18. The system of claim 15 wherein the aperture in its unexpanded position is less than approximately 25% the linear distance around the band.
 19. The system of claim 15 wherein the aperture in its unexpanded position is less than approximately 10% the linear distance around the band.
 20. The system of claim 15 wherein the aperture in its unexpanded position is less than approximately 5% of the linear distance around the band. 